The Township of Muskoka Lakes Economic Development Department uses a number of plans, strategies and reports to help guide decisions and operations. Please see below.

Economic Development StrategyThe Economic Development Strategy intends to build a common vision for economic growth and community prosperity for the Township, identify strengths and assets to leverage, and confirm community and economic development priorities for the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

Business Retention and Expansion The BR+E program is an internationally recognized community-based, volunteer driven economic development tool that responds to business needs and issues, encourages communities and local business to work together, enhances job creation and economic prosperity, and encourages the growth and stability of local business. Developing business and creating jobs are critical to the health and vitality of any community. In an era when most new jobs come from existing businesses, a welcoming business environment is crucial.

Through the activities of the local BR+E team of volunteers, the program works to improve the competitiveness of local business by evaluating and addressing their needs and concerns through a confidential interview process. This is crucial to the sustained viability of communities since businesses that stay competitive are more likely to remain and expand in the community. The BR+E program is one tool that can be used to encourage local communities to generate economic development plans, and creates a broad-based community coalition to sustain long-term economic development efforts.

District of Muskoka Economic DevelopmentThe District of Muskoka works closely with area municipalities to support strategies for economic development in Muskoka that will inspire community vitality and growth while preserving our natural environment and other cultural and heritage assets.

Visit the District of Muskoka for more information regarding economic development studies, profiles and strategies.

First Impressions Community ExchangeThe Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Township of Muskoka Lakes has spearheaded the participation in the First Impressions Community Exchange (FICE) program provided by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).

FICE is a structured and cost-effective process that reveals the first impression a community conveys to potential visitors, investors and new residents. FICE is a partnership with another peer community where each community visits the other and uses a checklist to inform each other of the strengths and challenges identified during the visit. Link to FICE details: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/edr/fice

Muskoka Lakes was partnered with Hastings Highlands for the FICE program. On December 10, 2016 Hastings Highlands presented their findings to Muskoka Lakes in a Special Council meeting. To view the findings CLICK HERE.